James Sullivan

James Sullivan is a Professor and Head of the School of Chemistry at University College Dublin, holding a BSc (1992) and PhD (1996) in Chemistry from University College Cork. His academic career includes post-doctoral research at the University of Reading (1996-1999), Honorary Research Fellow at Queen's University Belfast (1999-2000), and progressive roles at UCD from Assistant Lecturer (2000-2004) to Senior Lecturer (2007-2022) and finally full Professor since 2022.

His research focuses on heterogeneous catalysis for environmental and energy applications, with specific projects in:

• Lignin upgrading via thermal and photocatalytic methods
• Artificial photosynthesis using plasmonic and Z-scheme photocatalysts
• Plasma-assisted catalysis for methane valorization
• PFAS remediation techniques
• Plastic waste recycling through catalytic approaches

His work has secured funding from Science Foundation Ireland, Enterprise Ireland, MSCA programs, and the European Union. Notable grants include the PlaCE project (2017-2019) and current PFAS treatment research (2023-2025).

Key scientific contributions appear in Chemcatchem, ACS Omega, Sustainable Chemistry, and Applied Catalysis B, concentrating on:

• Metal nanoparticle morphology effects
• CO2 photoreduction mechanisms
• PFOA degradation pathways
• Metal oxide composite systems
• Visible light photocatalysis
• Advanced oxidation processes

Professional roles include:

• Chair of EuCheMS Green and Sustainable Chemistry Division (2015-)
• Editorial board member of Sustainable Chemistry (2020-2022)
• Vice-chair of UCD School of Chemistry Management Committee
• Member of European Federation of Catalysis Societies